For those looking to begin exploring the underwater world, this is where you start! If you are headed out on a cruise and want to see Grand Cayman a little differently, or if you have aspirations of being the next Jacques Cousteau, this is where your adventure begins! The 3 easy steps outlined below will have you on the path to underwater bliss in no time!
Everything starts with a trip to The Dive Shop. Your first visit is where we get all the paperwork out of the way. You'll fill out your student folder, pay for your course, and receive your PADI e-Learning Code. Students who require a medical physical before diving will receive their medical statement. Students will have a few hours of independent study before class, which is outlined in your e-learning materials.
Our class consists of two weekends. Your first weekend focuses on taking a quick review quiz and completing your pool skills. We will first meet at The Dive Shop at 6 pm on Friday for class. Following this class will be the learning and practicing of pool skills, which will start at 9 am both Saturday and Sunday. Please bring your Open Water Diver e-Learning Training Record with you, which you may print out from the PADI e-Learning website. Around noon, we will take a break for lunch and reconvene at the pool to finish your skills for the day!
We use a few local pools like Burkwood Swim & Racquet Club, Nova Regency, and Nova Gayton. The pool we are using depends on the weekend and facility schedules. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, a mask, fins, a snorkel, & boots with you to the pool. We will provide the remaining gear. Divers do receive discounts on gear if they purchase it before their pool weekend, and you'll be much more comfortable in your own scuba equipment!
Once you've completed your classroom and pool training, you're ready for a much larger dive site! Most of our students will continue on with us to Lake Phoenix, Virginia's #1 Scuba Park. Yup, we said Scuba Park. Just an hour or so South on Interstate 85, you'll find the best freshwater diving in 3 states. This is where you'll complete your training with four final Open Water dives. With the signing of the paperwork and the logging of the dives, your instructor will look at you very proudly and say, "Congratulations, you're a diver!
The Dive Shop - Richmond's Best Scuba Diving Destination
9320 West Broad St. Suite H & I, Richmond, VA 23294
804-270-0700 - Email: info@thediveshoprichmond.com
